The joy of work

Of all activities of the human race the most gratifying and lasting is the joy that comes from work. Consider all the returns that accumulate to the man who works: He is esteemed and revered. It is a truism that no man, however noble or well-intended will ever be respected for idleness. Respect flows to him who has a job to fill his days and does it to the best of his abilities.

He gets dignity and self-respect. The self-worth of a man is directly proportionate to the work on hand and his ability to discharge his work efficiently. He wins the friendship and fellowship of others. There is no companionship as pure and complete as those working together under one roof and for a worthy business.

He gains joy and good health that no idle man can boast about. Keeping all the faculties engaged and active with work is the time-tested antidote to depression and the best cure for lurking viruses and illnesses.

He achieves poise and faith. It is but a fact that the world favours the doers and he who does outshines many others who only intend to do. He finds rest, as it is only a good day’s work that garners a restful sleep at night. The inaction of the idlers can never get the rest that work alone brings in all its bounty.

For all of these and more, work is hailed as the ultimate foundation of fulfilment for a man and every adult is encouraged to be active with some useful work. Furthermore, workers are simultaneously honoured once a year to mark their importance in a society.

The day is referred to as the International Worker’s Day as chosen by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International to commemorate the labour movement associated with the Haymarket affair in Chicago that occurred on May 4, 1886, that spurred the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest.

Also called May Day, May 1st has rightly become a day of significance and a national holiday in the calendar of many countries around the world, when its people pause for a day to consider and applaud the toils of its labour force.